When thunder roars, move indoors...right?

The fact is, you are not safe anywhere outside. However, if you absolutely can't get to safety, this section may help you slightly lessen the threat of being struck by lightning while outside.

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top. Lightning typically strikes the tallest object so outdoor activities such as fishing, golfing, or sports in an open area may put you in grave danger.
• Stay away from metal objects such as bleachers, fences and poles. Although metal does not necessarily attract lightning, metal is an excellent conductor of electricity and can easily travel long distances.
• A tent offers no protection from lightning, so do not place a campsite in an open field or on top of a hill.  If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees or set up camp in a valley or other low area.
• Under a tree in the middle of a field is probably the worst place to seek shelter. The tree may help you stay dry, but will significantly increase your risk of being struck by lightning.
• No place is absolutely safe from lightning, however, some places are much safer than others. The safest location during lightning activity is a large enclosed building, not a picnic pavilion or open shed. The second safest location is an enclosed metal vehicle with windows closed. Try not to touch any metal surfaces inside the car. Soft-topped vehicles such as convertibles, jeeps and golf carts are not safe.
• A vast majority of lightning injuries and deaths occur on the water. It is crucial to listen to the weather on a radio. If thunderstorms are forecast, don't go out, especially on boats with no cabin. If you are out on the water and skies are threatening, get back to land and find a safe shelter. If you are out and cannot get back to land, drop anchor and get as low as possible. Large boats with cabins, especially those with lightning protection systems, are relatively safe.
• No place is absolutely safe from lightning, however, some places are much safer than others. The safest location during lightning activity is a large enclosed building, not a picnic pavilion or open shed. The second safest location is an enclosed metal vehicle with windows closed. Try not to touch any metal surfaces inside the car. Soft-topped vehicles such as convertibles, jeeps and golf carts are not safe.
• Remember to stay inside the cabin and away from any metal surfaces. Stay off the radio unless it is an emergency.

Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between 1 and 4 years old. And it's the third leading cause of death among children. Below are some easy tips to follow to ensure your child's safety:

• Never leave your child unattended around water. It may sound strict, but there is no room for compromise because babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
• Put the cell phone away, forget about all the other things you have to do and give young children 100% of your attention when they are near or around water.
• Empty all tubs, buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children's reach.
• Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. It's also a good idea to keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed. 
• Parents have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind - and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better.

For additional safety tips for your children, please visit www.safekids.org

Permit Activity  

Community Development Director, Richard Greenwood reports that 14 new single family homes were permitted in the month of June. With these new homes, residential new home starts continues to track about 20% higher than permits issued in 2013. 

Two Residential Projects Being Revived

Planning staff has been notified by Garrett Kenny of CEO Feltrim Developments NA INC. of plans to revive two of our "Zombies Subdivisions," which are residential projects that have been on hold since the recession.  The two projects include Carol's Cove, located east of HWY 27 and south of HWY 17/92, and Silverwater, located west of HWY 27 and the Heart of Florida Hospital and south of Massey Road.  The project detail sheets are attached.

The term "Zombie Subdivisions" is used to describe residential developments that, due to the recession, were either partially constructed or otherwise did not complete the development review process.  Community Development staff developed a strategy to help facilitate the revival of these properties by creating an inventory and fact sheets for 32 of these projects located within the City.  Area developers and builders were sent an invitation to consider purchasing these projects and complete the development process.  

The Lego Club will meet on July 10th and July 14th at 3:30 PM in the Library Community Room. 

It's Science Time on Wednesday mornings in July at the Haines City Public Library in the Community Room starting at 10:30 AM.  

• July 9th is learning about Motion 
• July 16th is "Let's Build" 
• July 23rd is "Sound"  

It is time to have fun while learning about science.

Join us at the Haines City Community Center Gymnasium at 555 Ledwith Avenue on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 10:30 AM to enjoy John Storms legendary World of Reptiles Show.  John Storms has entertained thousands of children over the years. On July 15, 2014, at the Community Center Gymnasium, Jiggleman's Joking Juggling will entertain kids of all ages. For more information, please call the Leisure Services Department at (863) 421-3700.

Movies at the Library:

• Saturday, July 12th Smurfs 2 at 11 AM.
• Saturday, July 19th Pelicula en Espaņol, Smurfs 2 at 11 AM (movie in Spanish).
• Friday, July 25th at 2 PM a special showing of Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters.

Save This Date, September 4, 2014, the Haines City Friends of the Library will be hosting an informative meeting led by Lori Edwards, Polk County's Supervisor of Elections from 10:30 AM - 12 PM in the Library Community Room.  Ms. Edwards will be discussing the November ballot and the four upcoming amendments.  She will also speak about current voting trends and the voting process. Afterwards she will be available for a question and answer session. For more information please contact the Library at (863) 421-3633

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